Cut off the excess paper so you’re left with a shape that fits across the outside of your pumpkin. Tape the design to the flattest side of your pumpkin.

Using a toothpick or similar object, poke along the edge if the design to transfer the image onto your pumpkin. The more pokes you do, the easier it will be to carve.

Once you’ve finished transferring the design, remove the paper and keep it for reference. Cut along the poked holes, starting with the smaller detailed areas, then the larger parts.

For more tips, watch the video below.

Pumpkin Carving Tools

Toothpick

Tape

Clay Carving Tools (optional)

If you’re planning on carving some Halloween pumpkins this year, why not showcase your love for economics? After all, the opportunity cost is low, and the benefits high!

Choose from one of the econ-themed stencils below – or create your own – and show off your finished goods (aka a photo of your pumpkin) on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter with the hashtag #econoween. If carving is not your comparative advantage, you can paint the design on your pumpkin.

Our favorite will receive $100 worth of books from Amazon. Contest runs through November 1st.